Bloodborne Pathogens

This screen checks for the main infections that can be carried in the blood and passed on through blood and other bodily fluids, including some that are sexually transmitted. It covers hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis in a single blood sample.

An important note on timing: after exposure to an infection, it can take several weeks before it becomes detectable in the blood. This is known as the window period. Testing too early can give a falsely reassuring result, so if you are testing after a specific incident, it may be worth waiting or arranging a follow-up test to be confident in the outcome.

What this screen checks

• Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): detects the virus itself in the blood. A positive result can indicate a current infection, either recent or long-standing.
• Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs): a marker of immunity to hepatitis B, either from past infection that has cleared or from vaccination.
• Hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV): detects antibodies to the hepatitis C virus, another cause of liver inflammation. Their presence indicates past exposure or current infection.
• HIV antibody (anti-HIV): detects antibodies to HIV, the virus that can lead to AIDS if untreated.
• Syphilis antibody (anti-TP): detects antibodies to the bacterium that causes syphilis.

Why it matters

Many of these infections cause few or no symptoms in their early stages, so testing is often the only way to know your status. Early detection allows for timely treatment and care, helps protect your long-term health, and reduces the risk of passing an infection on to others.